MLPW returns for another season. We’ll normally be compiling Monday through Sunday performances, although this edition’s numbers include a few extra days.

Pitcher:
Chase Whitley, 22, RHP, AAA / AA
8 IP, 10 K, 2 BB, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 HR
Notable: 3 appearances — 2 at AA Trenton, 1 at AAA Empire State / Scranton

Since being drafted in June 2010 (15th round), Chase Whitley has flown through the Yankees system. After splitting time between Tampa and Trenton in 2011 (42 appearances, 91 IP), he pitched twice for Trenton in the opening week of the season and was then promoted to AAA. In his debut for Empire State/Scranton, he pitched 4 innings of scoreless relief with 3 strikeouts.

Hitter:
Tyler Austin, 20, RHB 1B/3B/COF
.438/.471/1.031 in 34 PAs
Notable: 3 HRs, 3 3B, 4 2B

Is it safe to say that this kid is one of the best hitters (if not, the best) in the Yankees system? The recent NoMaas interviewee was the top hitter at each of his stops last season (Gulf Coast and Staten Island), and he’s continued his torrid pace at Charleston. He’s also been playing RF, which he told us he’d be seeing more of this season.

Honorable Mentions:

Cody Johnson, 23, LHB DH, AA
.375/.444/.792 in 27 PAs, 3 HR
If he could only cut down on the strikeouts…

Jose Campos, 19, RHP, A
11 IP, 11 K, 3 BB, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 HR
Other piece in the Pineda/Montero deal, could have easily been this week’s winner.

Nik Turley, 22, LHP, A+
11 IP, 13 K, 5 BB, 11 H, 2 ER, 1 HR
Not a “big radar gun guy“, but the 6’6″ lefty is coming off a very solid 2011, which was cut short by a broken hand.

Michael O’Brien, 22, RHP, A+
10.2 IP, 11 K, 1 BB, 9 H, 1 ER, 0 HR
Started 1 game, and pitched 5 scoreless in relief of Andy Pettitte.

In the ‘They Aren’t Close to Being Ready’ Category…

Manny Banuelos, 21, LHP, AAA
5.1 IP, 2 K, 7 BB, 14 H, 6 ER, 1 HR
This was over 2 starts, he’s now on the 7-DL with a sore back.

Dellin Betances, 24, RHP, AAA
8.1 IP, 9 K, 7 BB, 11 H, 10 ER, 3 HR
Also over 2 starts, allowed 3 HR in his second start.